Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

Ripe and slightly languid in style, with gently mulled red and black currant fruit, mixed with fruitcake and a hint of sassafras. Firms up a touch on the finish to keep it honest. Drink now through 2023. -JM

Sweet and tangy in cassis and dark cherry, this well-integrated wine is lengthy and relatively subdued, with an elegant structure. Dried herb, cedar and a note of tobacco round out the yin and yang of the wine. -Virginie Boone

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga District Collection was aged in French oak, 42% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with notes of stewed black cherries, black plum preserves and warm cassis, plus hints of dried mint, garrigue, fertile loam and truffles with a touch of scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has seriously lively, crunchy black fruits and loads of bright, herbal sparks on offer, framed by soft tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a compelling mineral note. 263 cases were made. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Lots of red, black, and blue fruits as well as an incredible sense of flowers emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Calistoga, which is all Cabernet brought up in 42% new French oak. This is another lively, pure, balanced beauty by winemaker Stephanie Putnam that offers medium to full-bodied richness, a notable spine of acidity (I suspect the pH is quite low), ripe tannins, and just a pretty, seamless style that’s going to evolve nicely for 15-20 years.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga is another terrific wine in this range. Bold and ample, the Calistoga Cabernet offers tons of volume and real sense of textural breadth. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, grilled herbs, leather and scorched earth abound in this flavorful, alluring Cabernet. The 2018 is beautifully done.

-- Antonio Galloni